What's your best merino wool base layer?

valcas1 · Mar 4, 2009

I am looking into buying some merino wool base layer clothing.

What does everyone recommend? I would prefer input based on your actual use, not what you heard.

Please tell me the brand you are using. Also, If you know of a brand that didn't preform as advertised.

I like Polypro and think it works well but the stank that it holds is not one of my favorite traits.

Thanks in advance.

Paul.

wildmike · Mar 4, 2009

Woolpower brand by ulfrotte in Sweden. Fantastic quality, non itchy, terry cloth knit long underware and baselayers, plus they are specialy processed to be able to be washed in hot water. I get mine from havealifeoutdoors.com.

valcas1 · Mar 4, 2009

Thanks wildmike

norcalblacktail · Mar 4, 2009

I have tried Icebreaker, Ibex and Smartwool. They are all nice but for me Icebreaker is the best. I have a 42% off coupon for Icebreaker right now. Ill PM it to you.

iBlade · Mar 4, 2009

I use icebreaker, I run in it, do races in it, use it for my daily motor bike ride into work, take it camping, hunting and climbing. icrebreaker.com its very good, comfortable and best of all does not stink, even after 24 hour races! Oh, and it does not scratch either...keeps you warm even when wet.

PatriotDan · Mar 4, 2009

About the itching. I thought that is one of the qualities of Merino wool not to itch. If any manufacturer uses genuine Merino wool shouldn't it be itch free regardless of who made it? Or does someone have 100% Merino garments that itch while other maker's 100% Merino don't? If we're talkin about some sort of material blend with just partially Merino then wool can make one itch for sure.

valcas1 · Mar 4, 2009

Another vote for icebreaker. Thanks iBlade.

Martin Swinkels · Mar 4, 2009

Icebreaker..
I got nothing to compare it to, but Icebreaker is just great. It's my every day baselayer.:thumbup:

stingray4540 · Mar 4, 2009

I really like the smart wool. There socks are like wearing spa slippers.
They make longsleeve shirts as well, in different weights. The lightest weight one is really nice. My buddy (Boomstick) who backpacks a lot owns one, and he loves it. The only thing that has stopped me from buying one of my own, is trying to justify a $60 shirt to my wife...